Shot of hope in West Bengal

On Day 1 of the vaccination drive, West Bengal Labour Minister and doctor Nirmal Maji was seen taking a jibe at Kolkata Medical College.

Talking to Free Press Journal, Maji said since he is a doctor for which he had the liberty to get vaccinated on the very first day. About protocols, Maji said there is no special protocol that one has to follow before getting vaccinated.

“Today is a big day for us. We’ve begun to slowly come out of the pandemic. After the vaccination everyone is being monitored for half an hour to see if the person is developing any side effects, otherwise there are no other measures. The first seven days after vaccination are important,” said Maji.

Meanwhile, several Trinamool leaders, including 2 MLAs, received the vaccine in Purba Bardhaman on Saturday, while healthcare workers alleged they could not get the jab though they were asked to come for it.

The vaccination drive at the Bhatar State General Hospital began with local TMC MLA Subhash Mondal getting the first shot. Later, former TMC MLA Banamali Hazra, Zilla Parisha Karmadakshya Jahar Bagdi and Bhatar Panchayat Samity Public Health in-charge Mahendra Hazra also received the vaccine.

At Katwa Sub-divisional Hospital, local MLA Rabindranath Chatterjee of TMC was among the 34 people who received the vaccine on the first day. -- Agencies inputs